Thank you, Shaun. Very interesting information. No wonder the businesses and family's tax burden is so high. Very difficult for residents and businesses. The State should allow a special portion of the revenue generated from all the tourists to come back to the town like Massachusetts and other states. Towns on Cape Cod for example have a 1 percent tax that comes back to the local communities. I am not a fan of more taxes for sure; I am more a fan of so called "Non-Profits" having some of the burden and making a more "In-Kind" donation back to the town. An 11 percent increase in property taxes for the residents and businesses is not-acceptable in this Inflationary climate; it won't be just the banks going under.
Perhaps also consider publishing (which is town public record should be the people and businesses that pay taxes, the amount, and the expected 2024 amount if budget passes. People have no idea I suspect of the amount of money residents and businesses pay...all the while a contingent of people want to eliminate the potential "extension of the season" by eliminating cruise ships who by the way contribute nearly 2 million in tax revenue, not to mention the businesses (who by the way pay huge taxes) are losing the potential of sales revenue for the pre and post season visitors.
I hope that the MDI Islander and Ellsworth American will publish this recent article that might enlighten residents and voters.
The Bar Harbor Historical Society (not the most astute preservationists of material heritage) moved to a huge mansion on a waterfront lot. They charge a hefty entrance fee. And the movers and shakers trade in social cache on their association. They should pay taxes.
And then the churches. The Roman Catholic Church has been instrumental in breaking down the constitutional barrier between church and state. OK that should mean they now should pay taxes.
The List: How Much Property in Bar Harbor Is Tax Exempt?
Thank you, Shaun. Very interesting information. No wonder the businesses and family's tax burden is so high. Very difficult for residents and businesses. The State should allow a special portion of the revenue generated from all the tourists to come back to the town like Massachusetts and other states. Towns on Cape Cod for example have a 1 percent tax that comes back to the local communities. I am not a fan of more taxes for sure; I am more a fan of so called "Non-Profits" having some of the burden and making a more "In-Kind" donation back to the town. An 11 percent increase in property taxes for the residents and businesses is not-acceptable in this Inflationary climate; it won't be just the banks going under.
Perhaps also consider publishing (which is town public record should be the people and businesses that pay taxes, the amount, and the expected 2024 amount if budget passes. People have no idea I suspect of the amount of money residents and businesses pay...all the while a contingent of people want to eliminate the potential "extension of the season" by eliminating cruise ships who by the way contribute nearly 2 million in tax revenue, not to mention the businesses (who by the way pay huge taxes) are losing the potential of sales revenue for the pre and post season visitors.
I hope that the MDI Islander and Ellsworth American will publish this recent article that might enlighten residents and voters.
Just as an example.
The Bar Harbor Historical Society (not the most astute preservationists of material heritage) moved to a huge mansion on a waterfront lot. They charge a hefty entrance fee. And the movers and shakers trade in social cache on their association. They should pay taxes.
And then the churches. The Roman Catholic Church has been instrumental in breaking down the constitutional barrier between church and state. OK that should mean they now should pay taxes.
Yacht Club? Seriously?
Birch Bay? Have you looked at their fees?